Movement on cap and trade legislation has been picking up in the legislature, and is expected to pass this year.

By Aubrey Wieber — Salem ReporterFebruary 6, 2019 at 2:36pm

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Several hundred Oregonians braved the chilly weather and poor road conditions to voice their support for proposed cap and trade legislation regulating greenhouse gas emissions Wednesday.

The event was organized by Renew, a pro-carbon cap interest group. Spokesman Brad Reed said people came from every senate district in the state. There would have been more, but driving conditions in eastern Oregon kept some at home, he said.

Last week, the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction released a bill, outlining this year's proposal. Similar bills were released in the 2018 and 2017 sessions.

The bill would cap greenhouse gas emissions at 25,000 metric tons per year. Industries regulated by the policy would have to purchase allowances for their emissions from the state. The revenue generated would go projects big and small that help combat climate change or lessen its impacts.

The message Wednesday from speakers and attendees was this is a critical issue that cannot be pushed out another year or two.

The proposal is seen as having a good chance at passing this year, and has garnered support of many Oregonians, polling indicates. Business groups have remained skeptical of economic impacts it could have on the oil, shipping and manufacturing industries.

A person in a papier-mâché costume of Gov. Kate Brown made their way through the crowd. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Rep. Karin Power, co-chair of the carbon reduction committee, gave a short speech. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, talks to the crowd about the process cap and trade is going through in the legislature. Dembrow is co-chair of the committee introducing the legislation.

Oregonians from around the state rallied in front of the Capitol on Wednesday to support cap and trade. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)